# Trump's Cabinet of Curiosities **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [November 10, 2016, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367 "2016-11-10T16:28:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 59
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2017, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1161 "2017-02-21T14:20:31Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Well, you know, it’s essential to The Donald that people “look the part.” Having the right name is part of that. Or he just happens to be the best choice. Really, in the Army this guy is a rock star. I can count on one finger the Army officers I became aware of when they were lowly Captains. McMaster is the only one. He’s not only a courageous and capable soldier he is also extremely intelligent and forthright. He would have had 4 stars long ago if he didn’t have the habit of telling his superiors inconvienent truths. If you have any thoughts of having an open mind read his book Dereliction of Duty. That will give you a lot of insight into how he feels about the role of the National Security Team and how it failed in Vietnam. As much as I’ll slam Trump for picks like Devos I also have to say he now has the best National Security Team I can remember. Getting that wingnut Flynn out of there was very important for the country. Kelly, Mattis and McMaster are not men who will tell the president only what he wants to hear. Of course there is no guarantee he will listen. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2017, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1162 "2017-02-21T14:29:05Z")
I think then that such a no-nonsense guy was not Trump’s idea. I do think that the more stable Republicans advised Trump to get [del]adult supervision[/del] rational advise so then the Republicans in congress will be less “concerned”, and in essence not make much of an effort into looking closely about his Russian escapades. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2017, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1163 "2017-02-21T15:11:21Z")
> [@GIGObuster](#): > > I think then that such a no-nonsense guy was not Trump’s idea. > > I do think that the more stable Republicans advised Trump to get [del]adult supervision[/del] rational advise so then the Republicans in congress will be less “concerned”, and in essence not make much of an effort into looking closely about his Russian escapades. And your evidence of the inner workings of the administration comes from? Trump likes no-nonsense guys. Or at least he convinces himself he does. That describes Kelly and Mattis and neither were Trump cronies pre-election. Harward is a no-nonsense guy who would have been a good pick too. I know it’s physically impossible for some to admit Trump might get something right. I hate to break it to you. He got this right. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2017, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1164 "2017-02-21T15:33:16Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > And your evidence of the inner workings of the administration comes from? Trump likes no-nonsense guys. Or at least he convinces himself he does. That describes Kelly and Mattis and neither were Trump cronies pre-election. Harward is a no-nonsense guy who would have been a good pick too. I know it’s physically impossible for some to admit Trump might get something right. I hate to break it to you. He got this right. Meh, like if what you said excludes what I remarked. The no-nonsense guy you referred to was a yes-man. And there is a big difference between being no-nonsense and just being well dedicated pushers of nonsense as many of the ones in Trump’s cabinet are. Unless Trump dismisses a lot of them what you are talking here is indeed what I remarked too, he is doing the right thing under duress as he himself complained in his weird presser. Broken clocks do get it right eventually. And you should realize that I was glad that this is happening. So while you ignore it to make a point, I was aware that he got it right. ---
**Author:** ![Falchion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a88e57/32.png) [@Falchion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Falchion)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2017, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1165 "2017-02-21T15:43:25Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > Or he just happens to be the best choice. Really, in the Army this guy is a rock star. I can count on one finger the Army officers I became aware of when they were lowly Captains. McMaster is the only one. He’s not only a courageous and capable soldier he is also extremely intelligent and forthright. He would have had 4 stars long ago if he didn’t have the habit of telling his superiors inconvienent truths. If you have any thoughts of having an open mind read his book Dereliction of Duty. That will give you a lot of insight into how he feels about the role of the National Security Team and how it failed in Vietnam. As much as I’ll slam Trump for picks like Devos I also have to say he now has the best National Security Team I can remember. Getting that wingnut Flynn out of there was very important for the country. Kelly, Mattis and McMaster are not men who will tell the president only what he wants to hear. Of course there is no guarantee he will listen. You seem to know something about him, so I’ll address this to you. Wikipedia lists the purple heart among McMaster’s decorations. When/where would he have received that? ---
**Author:** ![soonerblue](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/soonerblue/32/3302_2.png) [@soonerblue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/soonerblue)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2017, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1166 "2017-02-21T16:30:51Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Well, you know, it’s essential to The Donald that people “look the part.” Having the right name is part of that. Yes indeed, thank goodness he didn’t have a Bolton mustache. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2017, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1167 "2017-02-21T17:10:33Z")
> [@GIGObuster](#): > > Meh, like if what you said excludes what I remarked. The no-nonsense guy you referred to was a yes-man. And there is a big difference between being no-nonsense and just being well dedicated pushers of nonsense as many of the ones in Trump’s cabinet are. Unless Trump dismisses a lot of them what you are talking here is indeed what I remarked too, he is doing the right thing under duress as he himself complained in his weird presser. > > Broken clocks do get it right eventually. And you should realize that I was glad that this is happening. So while you ignore it to make a point, I was aware that he got it right. I’m not trying to be snarky, I honestly don’t know who you are referring to as a yes man. Mattis? Kelly? Harward? I don’t see how it fits any of them. > [@Falchion](#): > > You seem to know something about him, so I’ll address this to you. Wikipedia lists the purple heart among McMaster’s decorations. When/where would he have received that? No I don’t know. I know he was awarded the Silver Star for the Battle of 73 Easting. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2017, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1168 "2017-02-21T17:46:26Z")
> [@soonerblue](#): > > Yes indeed, thank goodness he didn’t have a Bolton mustache. But, like a bad penny and as an aside, I did notice that in the reports of the good choice of McMaster almost like a throwaway Trump announced that Bolton will be a part of his staff anyhow, AFAIK his position has not been set yet. So, it is back to the broken part of the clockwork orange. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2017, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1169 "2017-02-21T18:05:43Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > I’m not trying to be snarky, I honestly don’t know who you are referring to as a yes man. Mattis? Kelly? Harward? I don’t see how it fits any of them. I would had thought that the context made clear that I was referring to the one McMaster is replacing. [Mike Flynn: Wrong Pick for National Security Adviser | National Review](http://www.nationalreview.com/article/442350/mike-flynn-wrong-pick-national-security-adviser) > [@](#): > > For a start, critics say that Flynn exaggerates his accomplishments. Take Flynn’s service as the director of intelligence at Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) during the Iraq War. Appointed by acclaimed JSOC Commander General Stanley McChrystal, Flynn was involved in operations to destroy al-Qaeda in Iraq. But Flynn’s opponents believe that he takes too much credit for his Iraq experience. One individual who served with Flynn at JSOC describes him as General McChrystal’s yes man. McChrystal was a good leader, the individual says, Flynn had a tendency to bully anyone who disagreed with his assessments on operational strategy. That bully mentality and fanatical support to a superior is what Trump looks for, that the members he looks for are also prone to conspiracy theories and to follow extreme right wing sources of information are also “good” features for Trump. With is why, so far, I do think this choice of McMaster is a more independent and wise person that tells others (even superiors) the way things are, not to be just a follower. Just about what Trump normally avoids. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2017, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1170 "2017-02-21T20:42:20Z")
> [@GIGObuster](#): > > I would had thought that the context made clear that I was referring to the one McMaster is replacing. > > [Mike Flynn: Wrong Pick for National Security Adviser | National Review](http://www.nationalreview.com/article/442350/mike-flynn-wrong-pick-national-security-adviser) > That bully mentality and fanatical support to a superior is what Trump looks for, that the members he looks for are also prone to conspiracy theories and to follow extreme right wing sources of information are also “good” features for Trump. With is why, so far, I do think this choice of McMaster is a more independent and wise person that tells others (even superiors) the way things are, not to be just a follower. > > Just about what Trump normally avoids. Ok. I didn’t like Flynn for many reasons. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2017, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1171 "2017-02-21T23:01:53Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > … I know it’s physically impossible for some to admit Trump might get something right. I hate to break it to you. He got this right. If McMaster had been Trump’s first choice, I would join you in saying “he got this right.” But Trump picked _Flynn_. Then he went through a list of people who said “no way.” _Then,_ he got to McMaster. Clearly, Trump et al were hoping for a True Believer in the Existential Threat of Islam/True Believer in the Godhood of Trump, and they couldn’t find one who would pass muster _and_ be willing to take the job—so, after their other choices failed to pan out, they settled on McMaster. Because they were taking so much heat over having no National Security Advisor. They had to fill that position. McMaster has a stellar reputation and I’m grateful that he’s on the job. But I can’t help noticing that the media—most of whom are equally grateful to have him on the job—are steering well clear of the question, “did McMasters accept the employment condition that led so many others to turn down the job—did he accept that he could NOT hire his own staff?” From the fact that the media are carefully avoiding this point, I would assume that McMaster DID accept the unusual-in-Washington stricture on his ability to choose his own staff. He will try to do the job with the loyal-to-Trump-above-country Flynn folks in place. (I hope that’s \*not \*the case, but I suspect it is.) ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2017, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1172 "2017-02-21T23:56:25Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > Or he just happens to be the best choice. … > [@soonerblue](#): > > Yes indeed, thank goodness he didn’t have a Bolton mustache. I’m not saying he isn’t the best choice. I’m saying that he has to look the part (and having a great name is included) AND be the best choice. If he were the best choice, eminently qualified, but looked like ZZ Top, he wouldn’t have a prayer. Didn’t Trump disqualify someone waaaaay back at the beginning of his presidency (say, three weeks ago) who WAS qualified but looked like a dork? ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2017, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1173 "2017-02-22T05:22:50Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > If McMaster had been Trump’s first choice, I would join you in saying “he got this right.” > > But Trump picked _Flynn_. Then he went through a list of people who said “no way.” _Then,_ he got to McMaster. > > Clearly, Trump et al were hoping for a True Believer in the Existential Threat of Islam/True Believer in the Godhood of Trump, and they couldn’t find one who would pass muster _and_ be willing to take the job—so, after their other choices failed to pan out, they settled on McMaster. Because they were taking so much heat over having no National Security Advisor. They had to fill that position. > > McMaster has a stellar reputation and I’m grateful that he’s on the job. But I can’t help noticing that the media—most of whom are equally grateful to have him on the job—are steering well clear of the question, “did McMasters accept the employment condition that led so many others to turn down the job—did he accept that he could NOT hire his own staff?” > > From the fact that the media are carefully avoiding this point, I would assume that McMaster DID accept the unusual-in-Washington stricture on his ability to choose his own staff. He will try to do the job with the loyal-to-Trump-above-country Flynn folks in place. (I hope that’s \*not \*the case, but I suspect it is.) Spicer specifically stated that McMaster will have 100% control of his staff. Of course if you want to assume that everything Spicer says is a lie then there is no reason to continue. McMaster is not going to lie. ---
**Author:** ![Lantern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d26b3c/32.png) [@Lantern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2017, 7:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1174 "2017-02-22T07:35:56Z")
A good early test will be whether McMaster will be able to replace MacFarland, who is widely considered inadequate, with his own deputy. If that happens, it will be a good indicator that he will have real influence over policy. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2017, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1175 "2017-02-22T20:20:14Z")
Yes: Spicer is an unreliable source, but McMaster _is_ reliable, and the ‘McFarland test’ (of McMaster’s being permitted to choose his own staff) is a good one. She does seem more than a bit unhinged over China, to name one issue. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2017, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1176 "2017-02-22T20:22:39Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > …But Trump picked _Flynn_. Then he went through **a list of people** who said “no way.” _Then,_ he got to McMaster… Just one, I thought - the admiral. ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2017, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1177 "2017-02-22T20:24:42Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > Just one, I thought - the admiral. I think Petraeus turned him down, too. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2017, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1178 "2017-02-22T20:25:43Z")
[And DeVos folds like a cheap tent.](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/22/us/politics/devos-sessions-transgender-students-rights.html) That didn’t take long. > [@](#): > > Mr. Sessions, who strongly opposes expanding gay, lesbian and transgender rights, fought Ms. DeVos on the issue and pressed her to relent because he could not go forward without her consent. The order must come from the Justice and Education Departments. > > But Mr. Trump sided with his attorney general, these Republicans said, telling Ms. DeVos in a meeting in the Oval Office on Tuesday that he wanted her to drop her objections. **And Ms. DeVos, faced with the choice of resigning or defying the president, has agreed to go along.** The Justice Department declined to comment on Wednesday. Best to stay Right than do the right thing, eh Betsy? ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2017, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1179 "2017-02-22T20:30:03Z")
> [@jsc1953](#): > > I think Petraeus turned him down, too. Yes, and we don’t know how many people they may have ‘felt out’ without having submitted their names to the media. ---
**Author:** ![DrumBum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e79b87/32.png) [@DrumBum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrumBum)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2017, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367/1180 "2017-02-22T20:45:52Z")
Ms. Kellyanne Conway is reportedly sidelined for being ["off message.](http://money.cnn.com/2017/02/22/media/kellyanne-conway-sidelined-from-tv/) It is frequently difficult for me to distinguish “on topic” and “off topic” with these people when I watch them on TV. 😕 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367.md?page=58) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-cabinet-of-curiosities/771367.md?page=60)